Don’t let Covid stop your Coffee Morning

A leading cancer charity is urging people across Argyll not to let anything stop them taking part in the 30th anniversary of its biggest fundraising event.

In September 1990 Maggie Thatcher was still running the UK, Maria McKee was top of the charts, Scotland beat England at rugby and the first Macmillan Cancer Support Coffee Morning was held.

Since then, every year thousands of people have tucked into cakes and enjoyed a cuppa with pals, neighbours and strangers, raising millions of pounds to fund support services for people with cancer.

This year Covid-19 may mean people cannot pack into houses, village halls or community centres in the same way they have before, but Macmillan is urging people not to let that stop them taking part either virtually or through socially distanced events.

Macmillan’s fundraising manager, Angela McCormack, said: ‘We had big plans for the 30th anniversary and while we’ve had to adapt, we’re determined that nothing will stop the Macmillan Coffee Morning going ahead.

‘Many people with cancer are more in need of help than ever before as they try to cope with not just cancer, but the additional stresses coronavirus has caused. Macmillan has been doing everything we can to support people but while demand for our services is greater than ever, due to coronavirus we are facing a significant drop in our income.

‘While lots of face-to-face fundraising events have had to be cancelled, the strength of Coffee Morning is that there’s no set way of taking part.

‘This year why not do it online, or challenge each other to a week-long sponsored baking competition?

The official Macmillan Coffee Morning is on Friday September 25 but supporters are encouraged to hold their Coffee Morning whenever suits them, being sure to do it safely.

People can also support the charity by buying a limited edition selection of Macmillan products in M&S food halls.